PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

Abstract

Juvenile delinquency as a social phenomenon is one of those criminological issues that have been continuously monitored and studied. It is a phenomenon of multidisciplinary nature that poses a threat to the proper development of children and their wellbeing in the society. This survey paper assessed public perception of juvenile delinquency, its scope in the Macedonian society, as well as the risks that bring to it. At the same time, information was collected regarding the citizens’ understanding about the organization and functioning of the institutions dealing with juvenile delinquency, how effective and prompt they are, and whether they have the capacity to respond to the challenges that this social phenomenon imposes. The results of this survey were obtained through survey questionnaires sent to randomly selected citizens, but also interviews conducted with the professional public. The findings of this survey confirmed that juvenile delinquency as a social deviation is a wellrecognized phenomenon but for its prevention, as well as protection, a systemic solution is needed, both by the authorities, the community and all the other relevant stakeholders of the society. Keywords: juvenile delinquency, public perception, prevention, protection